Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A memory controller integrated circuit to control flash memory, the flash memory having a plurality of storage locations associated with structural elements of the flash memory, the memory controller integrated circuit comprising: logic to cause said memory controller integrated circuit to detect the need for operations within the flash memory, said operations comprising one of an operation to erase one of the structural elements, and an operation to move data from one of the storage locations which is associated with a first one of the structural elements to memory which is outside of the first one of the structural elements, wherein upon detection of the need for the one of said operations, said memory controller integrated circuit is to defer the performance of the one of said operations, and is to alert a host of the need for the one of said operations; logic to transmit to the host information identifying the need for the one of said operations; logic to receive at least one of read requests and write requests from the host and to control the performance of the at least one of the read requests and the write requests, notwithstanding prior transmission to the host of said information and notwithstanding the pending need for the one of said operations; and logic to receive a command from the host, interleaved amongst the at least one of the read requests and the write requests, to perform the one of said operations, and to responsively control the performance of the one of said operations; wherein each said logic comprises at least one of (1) hardware circuit elements or (2) instructions stored on non-transitory storage which, when executed, are to control circuitry of said memory controller integrated circuit; and wherein timing of the command from the host to perform the one of said operations is effective to determine when the memory controller integrated circuit is to perform the one of said operations, relative to performance of the at least one of the read requests and the write requests.
This invention relates to a memory controller integrated circuit designed to manage flash memory operations, particularly addressing the need to perform background tasks such as erasing memory blocks or moving data between storage locations. The problem solved is the inefficiency and potential disruption caused by automatic execution of these operations, which can interfere with ongoing read and write requests from a host system. The memory controller includes logic to detect when such operations are required, such as erasing a memory block or relocating data from one storage location to another. Instead of immediately executing these operations, the controller defers them and alerts the host system of the pending task. The host is then provided with information about the required operation, allowing it to decide when to execute it. Meanwhile, the controller continues processing read and write requests from the host without interruption. The host can issue a command to perform the deferred operation at any time, interleaved with other read and write requests. The timing of this command determines when the operation is executed relative to other ongoing tasks. The logic for these functions can be implemented either in hardware circuitry or as executable instructions stored in non-volatile memory. This approach improves system efficiency by allowing the host to prioritize operations based on workload demands, reducing unnecessary delays in critical data access tasks.
2. The memory controller integrated circuit of claim 1 , wherein the storage locations each comprise a page of flash memory cells, wherein the structural elements each comprise an erase unit of the flash memory, and wherein each erase unit of the flash memory comprises a respective set of the pages.
This invention relates to a memory controller integrated circuit designed for managing flash memory storage. The primary problem addressed is the efficient organization and access of data within flash memory, particularly in systems where data is stored in pages and managed in larger erase units. Flash memory is organized into pages, which are the smallest units for read and write operations, and erase units, which are larger blocks that must be erased before new data can be written. The memory controller is configured to handle these storage locations (pages) and structural elements (erase units) to optimize data management. Each erase unit contains multiple pages, and the controller ensures that data operations align with these structural constraints. This design improves performance and reliability by ensuring that read, write, and erase operations are efficiently coordinated across the flash memory's hierarchical structure. The controller may also include features to manage wear leveling, error correction, and other flash-specific optimizations to extend the lifespan of the memory. The invention is particularly useful in embedded systems, solid-state drives, and other applications requiring efficient flash memory management.
3. The memory controller integrated circuit of claim 1 , wherein the one of said operations comprises the operation to move data, wherein the first one of the structural elements comprises a first erase unit, wherein the memory outside of the first one of the structural elements comprises a page of flash memory cells corresponding to a second erase unit of the flash memory, and wherein the memory controller integrated circuit is not to transfer the data to the host in connection with performance of the move of the data.
This invention relates to a memory controller integrated circuit designed for managing data movement within a flash memory system. The problem addressed is the inefficient handling of data transfers, particularly when moving data between different structural elements of the flash memory without unnecessary involvement of the host system. The memory controller includes circuitry configured to perform operations such as moving data between different structural elements of the flash memory. In one specific operation, data is moved from a first erase unit to a page of flash memory cells located outside the first erase unit, where the page corresponds to a second erase unit. The key feature is that the memory controller does not transfer the moved data to the host during this operation, ensuring that the data movement is handled internally without external intervention. This approach optimizes performance by reducing overhead and latency associated with host interactions during internal data management tasks. The controller may also include additional circuitry for other operations, such as reading, writing, or erasing data, but the focus here is on the internal data movement process. The invention aims to improve efficiency in flash memory systems by minimizing unnecessary data transfers to the host while maintaining data integrity and system performance.
4. The memory controller integrated circuit of claim 1 , wherein the one of said operations comprises the operation to move the data, wherein the information transmitted to the host identifying the need for the one of said operations is to specify an address of the one of the storage locations in the first one of the structural elements, and wherein the command to perform the one of said operations is to specify an address within the memory outside of the first one of the structural elements to serve as a destination for the data.
This invention relates to memory controllers for managing data storage and retrieval in memory systems, particularly addressing inefficiencies in data movement operations. The problem solved involves optimizing data transfer between different storage locations within a memory system, ensuring efficient use of memory resources and reducing latency. The memory controller integrated circuit includes circuitry to perform operations such as moving data between storage locations. When a data movement operation is required, the controller transmits information to a host system, specifying the address of the source storage location within a first structural element (e.g., a memory block or partition). The host then issues a command to the controller to execute the operation, specifying a destination address outside the first structural element. This approach allows the host to direct data movement while the controller handles the underlying transfer, improving system performance by reducing unnecessary data transfers and ensuring data integrity. The controller may also include additional features, such as error detection and correction mechanisms, to verify data integrity during transfers. The system is designed to work with various memory types, including but not limited to DRAM, NAND flash, or other solid-state storage devices. By enabling precise control over data movement, this invention enhances memory system efficiency and reliability.
5. The memory controller integrated circuit of claim 4 , wherein the command to perform the one of said operations is further to specify an address from which the data is to be moved to the destination.
A memory controller integrated circuit is designed to manage data movement within a memory system, addressing inefficiencies in traditional memory access methods that often require multiple commands or complex address calculations. The controller includes a command interface that receives instructions to perform operations such as data movement, copying, or comparison between memory locations. These operations are executed without requiring the host processor to issue separate commands for each step, reducing latency and improving system performance. The controller also includes a data path that transfers data between source and destination addresses within the memory system, ensuring efficient data handling. Additionally, the controller may include logic to validate the integrity of the data being moved or compared, ensuring accuracy. The command to perform these operations specifies a source address from which the data is to be moved, allowing precise control over data transfer operations. This design simplifies memory management by consolidating multiple operations into a single command, reducing overhead and improving efficiency in memory-intensive applications.
6. The memory controller integrated circuit of claim 1 , wherein the one of said operations comprises the operation to move the data, wherein the command to perform the one of said operations is to specify an address to serve as a destination for the data within the flash memory, and wherein the address to serve as the destination is associated with the destination for the data prior to the issuance of said command to perform the one of said operations.
A memory controller integrated circuit is designed to manage data operations within flash memory, particularly addressing inefficiencies in data movement. The controller includes a command interface that receives commands to perform operations such as moving data within the flash memory. When executing a data movement operation, the controller uses a command that specifies a destination address within the flash memory for the data. This destination address is pre-associated with the data before the command is issued, ensuring that the target location is already determined, reducing latency and improving efficiency. The controller may also include additional features such as error correction, wear leveling, and data encryption to enhance reliability and performance. The system is particularly useful in embedded systems, solid-state drives, and other applications requiring fast and reliable data management in flash memory. The pre-association of destination addresses streamlines the data movement process, minimizing delays and optimizing resource usage.
7. The memory controller integrated circuit of claim 1 , wherein the at least one of the read requests and the write requests comprises both read requests and write requests.
A memory controller integrated circuit is designed to manage data transfer between a host system and a memory device, such as a solid-state drive (SSD) or other non-volatile storage. The controller optimizes performance by efficiently handling both read and write operations. In this configuration, the controller processes a combination of read requests and write requests simultaneously or in an interleaved manner to improve throughput and reduce latency. The controller may prioritize certain operations based on system demands, ensuring balanced performance for both read and write tasks. This approach helps mitigate bottlenecks in data access, particularly in high-performance storage applications where both read and write operations are critical. The controller may also include features such as error correction, wear leveling, and data buffering to enhance reliability and longevity of the memory device. By dynamically adjusting to varying workloads, the controller ensures efficient use of memory resources while maintaining data integrity. This design is particularly useful in systems requiring high-speed data processing, such as enterprise storage, data centers, and real-time computing environments.
8. The memory controller integrated circuit of claim 1 , wherein the information to be sent to the host identifying the need for the one of said operations is to specify an address of the one of the structural elements.
A memory controller integrated circuit is designed to manage data storage and retrieval operations in a memory system, particularly in systems where memory operations may require specific handling due to structural elements like defective blocks or regions. The controller monitors the memory system to detect when an operation (e.g., read, write, or erase) must be performed on a specific structural element, such as a defective block or a reserved area. When such an operation is needed, the controller generates information to be sent to a host system, identifying the need for the operation and specifying the address of the structural element involved. This allows the host system to be aware of the operation and its target location, enabling proper coordination and error handling. The controller may also include mechanisms to track the status of structural elements, such as marking them as defective or reserved, and to ensure that operations are correctly routed to the appropriate memory locations. This approach improves system reliability and efficiency by ensuring that the host system is informed of critical memory operations involving structural elements.
9. The memory controller integrated circuit of claim 1 , wherein the one of said operations comprises the operation to erase the one of the structural elements, wherein the command to perform the one of said operations is to specify the one of the structural elements, and wherein the logic to receive the command and respectively control performance is to cause the flash memory to erase the specified one of the structural elements but not any other one of the structural elements which is not specified by the command to perform the one of said operations.
This invention relates to a memory controller integrated circuit designed for managing operations in a flash memory system, particularly focusing on selective erasure of memory elements. The problem addressed is the need for precise control over individual memory elements during erase operations, ensuring that only the specified element is erased while leaving other elements unaffected. The memory controller includes logic to receive commands that specify a particular structural element (such as a block, sector, or page) within the flash memory for erasure. Upon receiving such a command, the controller executes the erase operation exclusively on the designated element, preventing unintended erasure of adjacent or unrelated elements. This selective erasure capability is critical for maintaining data integrity and optimizing memory management in systems where partial memory updates or selective data removal are required. The controller's logic ensures that the erase command is processed accurately, targeting only the specified element without affecting other memory regions. This functionality is particularly useful in applications where memory space is dynamically allocated or where certain data segments must remain intact while others are cleared. The invention enhances reliability and efficiency in flash memory operations by providing granular control over erase operations.
10. The memory controller integrated circuit of claim 1 , wherein an order of (1) receipt of the command to perform the one of said operations, relative to (2) respective requests of the at least one of the read requests and the write requests, is effective to determine when the memory controller integrated circuit is to perform the one of said operations relative to performance of the respective requests.
A memory controller integrated circuit manages data operations in a memory system, including read and write requests. The controller processes these requests while also performing additional operations, such as maintenance tasks or configuration updates. A key challenge is ensuring efficient scheduling of these operations without disrupting the timely execution of read and write requests. The invention addresses this by controlling the timing of the additional operations based on the order in which they are received relative to the pending read and write requests. Specifically, the sequence of receiving a command to perform an operation—whether it arrives before, after, or between the read and write requests—determines when the operation is executed relative to those requests. This ensures that the memory controller can prioritize critical data operations while still accommodating maintenance or configuration tasks without causing delays or conflicts. The system dynamically adjusts the execution timing of the additional operations to maintain system performance and reliability.
11. The memory controller integrated circuit of claim 1 , wherein the one of said operations comprises the operation to move the data, wherein the command to perform the one of said operations is to specify the one of the structural elements, and wherein the logic to receive the command and respectively control performance is to cause the flash memory to move data from the specified one of the structural elements but not from any other one of the structural elements which is not specified by the command to perform the one of said operations.
This invention relates to a memory controller integrated circuit designed to manage data operations in a flash memory system. The problem addressed is the need for precise control over data movement within the flash memory, particularly when dealing with structural elements such as blocks, pages, or other storage units. Existing systems may lack granularity in specifying which structural elements should be involved in data operations, leading to inefficiencies or unintended data transfers. The memory controller includes logic to receive commands that specify a particular structural element for an operation, such as moving data. When a command is received, the controller ensures that data is moved only from the specified structural element and not from any other elements. This selective operation prevents accidental or unnecessary data transfers, improving data integrity and system efficiency. The controller can handle various operations beyond data movement, but the focus here is on ensuring that commands explicitly target only the intended structural elements. This selective control is particularly useful in scenarios where partial data migration or selective erasure is required, such as during wear leveling, garbage collection, or system maintenance tasks. The invention enhances precision in flash memory management by enforcing strict adherence to the specified structural elements in each operation.
12. A memory controller integrated circuit to control flash memory, the flash memory having a plurality of storage pages associated with erase units of the flash memory, the memory controller integrated circuit comprising: logic to cause said memory controller integrated circuit to detect the need for operations within the flash memory, said operations comprising one of an operation to erase one of the erase units, and an operation to move data from one of the pages which is associated with a first one of the erase units to memory which is outside of the first one of the erase units, wherein upon detection of the need for the one of said operations, said memory controller integrated circuit is to defer the performance of the one of said operations, and is to alert a host of the need for the one of said operations; logic to transmit to the host information identifying the need for the one of said operations; logic to receive at least one of read requests and write requests from the host and to control the performance of the at least one of the read requests and the write requests, notwithstanding prior transmission to the host of said information and notwithstanding the pending need for the one of said operations; and logic to receive a command from the host, interleaved amongst the at least one of the read requests and the write requests, to perform the one of said operations, and to responsively control the performance of the one of said operations; wherein each said logic comprises at least one of (1) hardware circuit elements or (2) instructions stored on non-transitory storage which, when executed, are to control circuitry of said memory controller integrated circuit; wherein timing of the command from the host to perform the one of said operations is effective to determine when the memory controller integrated circuit is to perform the one of said operations, relative to performance of the at least one of the read requests and the write requests; wherein the command to perform the one of said operations is to specify the one of the structural elements; and wherein the logic to receive the command and respectively control performance is to cause the flash memory to perform a maintenance function upon the specified one of the erase units but not on any other one of the erase units which is not specified by the command to perform the one of said operations.
The invention relates to a memory controller integrated circuit designed to manage flash memory operations, particularly focusing on deferring maintenance tasks such as erasing erase units or moving data between pages. Flash memory requires periodic maintenance to free up space or reorganize data, but these operations can disrupt normal read/write operations. The memory controller detects the need for such maintenance tasks but defers their execution, instead alerting the host system of the pending operation. The controller continues to handle read and write requests from the host while the maintenance task remains pending. The host can then issue a specific command to perform the deferred operation at a time that minimizes disruption to ongoing operations. The command specifies which erase unit or page should be targeted, ensuring only the necessary maintenance is performed. The memory controller can be implemented using hardware circuits or executable instructions stored in non-volatile memory. This approach allows the host to control the timing of maintenance operations, optimizing system performance by interleaving maintenance tasks with regular read/write operations.
13. The memory controller integrated circuit of claim 12 , wherein the one of said operations comprises the operation to move the data, wherein the information transmitted to the host identifying the need for the one of said operations is to specify an address of the one of the pages in the first one of the erase units, and wherein the command to perform the one of said operations is to specify an address within the memory outside of the first one of the erase units to serve as a destination for the data.
A memory controller integrated circuit is designed to manage data operations in a non-volatile memory system, particularly addressing inefficiencies in data movement and wear leveling. The system includes a memory array organized into erase units, each containing multiple pages. The controller identifies when data needs to be moved from a page within a first erase unit to another location in the memory. To initiate this operation, the controller transmits information to a host system, specifying the address of the source page in the first erase unit. The host then sends a command to the controller, instructing it to perform the data movement. This command includes a destination address outside the first erase unit, ensuring the data is relocated to a different area of the memory. This process helps maintain memory performance and longevity by distributing write and erase cycles across the memory array, reducing wear on specific erase units. The controller autonomously handles the data transfer, optimizing memory management without requiring direct host intervention for each operation. This approach improves efficiency and reliability in memory systems, particularly in applications where data retention and endurance are critical.
14. The memory controller integrated circuit of claim 12 , wherein the one of said operations comprises the operation to move the data, wherein the command to perform the one of said operations is to specify an address to serve as a destination for the data, and wherein the address to serve as the destination is associated with the destination for the data prior to the issuance of said command to perform the one of said operations.
A memory controller integrated circuit is designed to manage data operations in a memory system, addressing inefficiencies in data movement and command processing. The controller includes a command interface that receives commands to perform operations such as moving data between memory locations. When a command to move data is issued, it specifies a destination address for the data. This destination address is pre-associated with the target location before the command is sent, ensuring that the data transfer is directed to the correct location without additional address resolution during execution. This pre-association reduces latency and improves efficiency by eliminating the need for real-time address calculations or lookups during the operation. The controller may also handle other operations, such as reading or writing data, with similar pre-associated addressing to streamline command processing. The system is particularly useful in high-performance memory systems where minimizing latency and optimizing command execution are critical.
15. An apparatus, comprising: flash memory having a plurality of storage locations associated with structural elements of the flash memory; a memory controller integrated circuit to control the flash memory, the memory controller integrated circuit comprising, logic to cause said memory controller integrated circuit to detect the need for operations within the flash memory, said operations comprising one of an operation to erase one of the structural elements, and an operation to move data from one of the storage locations which is associated with a first one of the structural elements to memory which is outside of the first one of the structural elements, wherein upon detection of the need for the one of said operations, said memory controller integrated circuit is to defer the performance of the one of said operations, and is to alert a host of the need for the one of said operations, logic to transmit to the host information identifying the need for the one of said operations, logic to receive at least one of read requests and write requests from the host and to control the performance of the at least one of the read requests and the write requests, notwithstanding prior transmission to the host of said information and notwithstanding the pending need for the one of said operations, and logic to receive a command from the host, interleaved amongst the at least one of the read requests and the write requests, to perform the one of said operations, and to responsively control the performance of the one of said operations; wherein each said logic comprises at least one of (1) hardware circuit elements or (2) instructions stored on non-transitory storage which, when executed, are to control circuitry of said memory controller integrated circuit; and wherein timing of the command from the host to perform the one of said operations is effective to determine when the memory controller integrated circuit is to perform the one of said operations, relative to performance of the at least one of the read requests and the write requests.
Flash memory systems often require background operations like erasing memory blocks or moving data to maintain performance and reliability. These operations can disrupt normal read/write operations, leading to latency and reduced efficiency. The invention addresses this by introducing a memory controller that defers such operations and allows a host system to control their timing. The controller detects the need for an erase or data move operation and alerts the host, providing details about the pending operation. While waiting for the host's command, the controller continues processing read and write requests normally. The host can then issue a command to perform the deferred operation at an optimal time, interleaved with ongoing read/write operations. This approach ensures that background operations do not interfere with active data access, improving system responsiveness and efficiency. The controller's logic can be implemented in hardware or software, and the host's timing of the command determines when the operation is executed relative to other requests. This method enhances flexibility and performance in flash memory management.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the storage locations each comprise a page of flash memory cells, wherein the structural elements each comprise an erase unit of the flash memory, and wherein each erase unit of the flash memory comprises a respective set of the pages.
This invention relates to flash memory storage systems, specifically addressing the management of data storage and retrieval in flash memory devices. The problem being solved involves efficiently organizing and accessing data within flash memory, particularly in systems where data is stored in pages and managed in erase units. Flash memory is organized into pages, which are the smallest units for read and write operations, and erase units, which are larger blocks that must be erased before new data can be written. The invention provides an apparatus for managing these storage locations, where each storage location is a page of flash memory cells, and each structural element is an erase unit containing a set of these pages. The apparatus ensures that data is stored and retrieved efficiently by maintaining a relationship between pages and their corresponding erase units, allowing for optimized read and write operations while adhering to the constraints of flash memory technology. This organization helps improve performance and reliability in flash memory storage systems by ensuring that data is properly managed at both the page and erase unit levels.
17. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein said operations comprise the operation to move data, wherein the first one of the structural elements comprises a first erase unit, wherein the memory outside of the first one of the structural elements comprises a page of flash memory cells corresponding to a second erase unit of the flash memory, and wherein the memory controller integrated circuit is not to transfer the data to the host in connection with performance of the move of the data.
This invention relates to data management in flash memory systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently moving data within a flash memory device without transferring it to an external host. The apparatus includes a memory controller integrated circuit that manages data operations within a flash memory array. The flash memory is organized into structural elements, such as erase units, which are the smallest addressable units for erase operations. The memory controller performs data movement operations between these structural elements, where the source is a first erase unit and the destination is a page of flash memory cells corresponding to a second erase unit. Unlike conventional systems that may transfer data to a host during such operations, this apparatus avoids host involvement, improving efficiency and reducing latency. The data movement is handled entirely within the flash memory device, allowing for faster internal data reorganization, wear leveling, or garbage collection without external intervention. This approach is particularly useful in embedded systems or high-performance storage applications where minimizing host overhead is critical. The invention ensures seamless data management while maintaining system performance and reliability.
18. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the one of said operations comprises the operation to move the data, wherein said apparatus is a first storage drive and wherein the memory outside of the first one of the structural elements comprises a second storage drive, the memory outside of the first one of the structural elements not being controlled by said memory controller integrated circuit.
This invention relates to data management in storage systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently transferring data between storage drives without direct control by a central memory controller. The apparatus includes a first storage drive that performs operations to move data to a second storage drive, where the second storage drive is external to the first drive and not managed by the same memory controller. The system enables direct data transfer between storage drives, reducing reliance on a central controller and improving data movement efficiency. The apparatus may include multiple structural elements, such as storage drives or memory modules, where data is transferred between them independently of a shared memory controller. This approach enhances flexibility and performance in storage systems by allowing decentralized data management, particularly in environments where multiple storage devices operate in parallel or require independent data transfers. The invention is useful in high-performance computing, distributed storage systems, and applications requiring low-latency data movement between storage devices.
19. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the one of said operations comprises the operation to move the data, and wherein the command to perform the one of said operations is to specify an address within the memory outside of the first one of the structural elements to serve as a destination for the data.
This invention relates to data processing systems, specifically addressing the efficient movement of data within memory structures. The problem solved involves optimizing data transfer operations in systems where memory is divided into distinct structural elements, such as memory banks or partitions, to improve performance and reduce latency. The apparatus includes a memory system with multiple structural elements, each containing addressable storage locations. A controller is configured to execute operations on data stored within these elements. One such operation involves moving data from a source location within a first structural element to a destination address outside that element. The command to perform this operation specifies the destination address, which lies in a different structural element or a non-partitioned region of memory. This allows for flexible and efficient data relocation without requiring intermediate steps or additional hardware, improving system throughput and reducing complexity. The apparatus may also include mechanisms to validate the destination address, ensuring it resides outside the source element to prevent errors. The data movement operation can be part of a broader set of operations managed by the controller, which may include other functions like data processing or memory management. The invention enhances data handling in systems where memory is logically or physically segmented, such as in multi-core processors, distributed memory architectures, or specialized accelerators.
20. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the one of said operations comprises the operation to move the data, wherein the command to perform the one of said operations is to specify an address to serve as a destination for the data within the flash memory, and wherein the address to serve as the destination is associated with the destination for the data prior to the issuance of said command to perform the one of said operations.
This invention relates to data management in flash memory systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently moving data within flash memory devices. The apparatus includes a flash memory controller configured to execute operations such as reading, writing, or moving data. The controller processes commands to perform these operations, where a command to move data specifies a destination address within the flash memory. The destination address is pre-associated with the data before the command is issued, ensuring that the data is moved to the correct location without requiring additional address resolution during execution. This pre-association simplifies the command structure and reduces overhead, improving the efficiency of data movement in flash memory systems. The apparatus may also include additional features such as error detection and correction mechanisms to ensure data integrity during operations. The invention aims to optimize data handling in flash memory by streamlining the command processing and ensuring accurate data placement.
21. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the at least one of the read requests and the write requests comprises both read requests and write requests.
A system for managing data storage operations involves processing both read and write requests to optimize performance and resource utilization. The apparatus includes a controller that dynamically adjusts the handling of these requests based on system conditions, such as storage device capacity, latency, or workload characteristics. The controller may prioritize certain requests, buffer others, or distribute them across multiple storage devices to balance load and reduce bottlenecks. In some implementations, the system monitors request patterns to predict future demand and preemptively allocate resources. The apparatus may also include error detection and correction mechanisms to ensure data integrity during read and write operations. By integrating both read and write request processing, the system improves efficiency, reduces latency, and enhances reliability in data storage environments. The apparatus is particularly useful in high-performance computing, enterprise storage systems, or distributed storage architectures where managing mixed workloads is critical. The system may further include interfaces for connecting to various storage media, such as solid-state drives, hard disk drives, or network-attached storage, and may support different communication protocols to ensure compatibility with diverse storage devices.
22. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the information to be sent to the host identifying the need for the one of said operations is to specify an address of the one of the structural elements.
This invention relates to a system for managing operations in a computing environment, particularly where a device needs to communicate with a host system to request specific operations. The problem addressed is the efficient and accurate identification of structural elements within the device that require certain operations, such as data processing, storage, or maintenance tasks. The system includes a device with multiple structural elements, each capable of performing distinct functions. When one of these elements requires an operation, the device sends information to the host system specifying the address of the particular structural element in need of the operation. This address-based identification ensures precise targeting of the operation, reducing errors and improving system efficiency. The host system processes this request and initiates the necessary action, such as data retrieval, storage, or diagnostic checks, based on the provided address. This approach streamlines communication between the device and host, minimizing latency and resource overhead. The invention is particularly useful in distributed computing environments, embedded systems, or any scenario where multiple structural elements within a device must coordinate with a central host for operational tasks. The address-based specification ensures that the host can accurately identify and service the correct element, enhancing overall system reliability and performance.
23. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the one of said operations comprises the operation to erase the one of the structural elements, wherein the command to perform the one of said operations is to specify the one of the structural elements, and wherein the logic to receive the command and respectively control performance is to cause the flash memory to erase the specified one of the structural elements but not any other one of the structural elements which is not specified by the command to perform the one of said operations.
This invention relates to a flash memory apparatus with selective erasure capabilities. The problem addressed is the need for precise control over erasure operations in flash memory, where unintended data loss can occur if entire blocks or regions are erased indiscriminately. The apparatus includes a flash memory array with multiple structural elements, such as memory blocks or sectors, and logic to execute operations on these elements. A key feature is the ability to selectively erase individual structural elements without affecting others. The apparatus receives a command specifying a particular structural element to erase, and the logic ensures only that specified element is erased, leaving adjacent or related elements untouched. This selective erasure is achieved through precise addressing and control mechanisms within the flash memory. The invention improves data integrity and efficiency by allowing targeted erasure, which is particularly useful in applications requiring partial updates or selective data removal. The apparatus may also include additional operations beyond erasure, such as read or write functions, but the selective erasure capability is a distinct and novel aspect. The invention is applicable in storage systems where granular control over memory operations is critical.
24. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein an order of (1) receipt of the command to perform the one of said operations, relative to (2) respective requests of the at least one of the read requests and the write requests, is effective to determine when the memory controller integrated circuit is to perform the one of said operations relative to performance of the respective requests.
This invention relates to memory controller integrated circuits and addresses the challenge of efficiently managing read and write requests while executing operations such as refresh or calibration. The apparatus includes a memory controller that processes read and write requests from a host system and performs additional operations like memory refresh or calibration. The key innovation lies in controlling the timing of these operations relative to the incoming requests. Specifically, the order in which the memory controller receives a command to perform an operation (e.g., refresh) compared to the timing of read and write requests determines when the operation is executed. This ensures that critical memory operations do not disrupt ongoing data transactions, improving system performance and reliability. The apparatus may include logic to prioritize requests or operations based on their timing, ensuring that memory operations are performed at optimal intervals without causing delays in data access. This approach enhances efficiency in memory management, particularly in systems where timely execution of operations is crucial.
25. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the one of said operations comprises the operation to move the data, wherein the command to perform the one of said operations is to specify the one of the structural elements, and wherein the logic to receive the command and respectively control performance is to cause the flash memory to move data from the specified one of the structural elements but not from any other one of the structural elements which is not specified by the command to perform the one of said operations.
This invention relates to flash memory systems and specifically to a method for selectively moving data within a flash memory device. The problem addressed is the need for precise control over data movement operations in flash memory, particularly in systems where data is organized into structural elements such as blocks, pages, or other logical divisions. Existing systems may lack the granularity to move data from a specific structural element without affecting adjacent or related elements, leading to inefficiencies or unintended data loss. The invention describes an apparatus that includes a flash memory and logic to execute operations on the memory. One such operation is the selective movement of data from a specified structural element, such as a block or page, while ensuring that data from other elements remains unaffected. The apparatus receives a command that identifies the specific structural element from which data should be moved. The logic then processes this command to perform the data movement operation exclusively on the specified element, leaving all other elements untouched. This selective operation is particularly useful in scenarios where partial data migration, wear leveling, or error recovery is required without disrupting the integrity of the entire memory structure. The system ensures that only the targeted structural element is modified, improving efficiency and reliability in flash memory management.
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November 17, 2020
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